The breast ultrasound technologist has the responsibility for the coordination and performance of breast sonography and will assist with all ultrasounds guided procedures in the breast imaging department. The breast ultrasound technologist will work closely with mammography technologists, radiologists, clinicians, and clerical staff to assure optimum quality control, efficient coordination of activities, high quality diagnostic exam results, and patient satisfaction.

Duties

a. Trains new breast sonographers in all aspects of breast ultrasound scanning protocols. b. Recommends, coordinates, and evaluates new or modified procedures/protocols in accordance with radiologist oversight. c. Works well with other sonographers on specialized tasks and new/modified procedures and policies. d. Maintains competency on all scanners and procedures. e. Assures that ultrasound rooms are always stocked with necessary supplies. f. Works closely with the Supervisor of Breast Imaging to optimize ultrasound machine times and performs other assigned tasks within their scope of duty and/or pertaining to patient care. g. Works with mammography technologists, radiologists, and other ultrasound technologists in the performance of diagnostic treatment using ultrasound techniques and ultrasound guided procedures. h. Properly identifies patient. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient I.D. band and the request are identical. Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number. i. Ensures that patient images are properly identified and labeled according to section guidelines. j. Troubleshoot PACS related issues and work closely with the PACS administrator to resolve issues. k. Works independently but confers with radiologists and Supervisor of breast imaging on more difficult problems and cooperates with other team members. l. Must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. Must be able to recognize any inaccuracies. m. The incumbent requires specific knowledge and training of the location, appearance, and function of the breast to interpret the examination request accurately; understands the functioning and inter-relationship of the breast imaging techniques and modalities using the methods and techniques which will identify breast abnormalities on the digital display monitor or image. n. The incumbent will share significant administrative duties, including the performance and documentation of QC required to maintain compliance with all QC and QA requirements as per VHA policy, FDA/MQSA regulations, and ACR standards. o. The incumbent works closely with Supervisor of breast imaging, other technologists, radiologists, clinicians, and clerical staff to assure optimum QC, efficient coordination of activities, high quality diagnostic/therapeutic exam results, and patient satisfaction. p. The incumbent keeps abreast of current technical literature, ACR and FDA guidelines and learns of new developments in Breast Ultrasound. q. The incumbent ensures all personal certifications and qualifications are continuously monitored and kept up to date as required by the accrediting bodies. This includes continuing experience, and educational experience as required by MSQA. r. Prepare the exam room for examinations and assist Radiologists with all ultrasound-guided breast procedures including cyst aspirations, core biopsies and wire localization procedures. s. Maintain sonography equipment and report machinery failure to Supervisor of breast imaging. t. Manage several patients and priorities and be able to adapt to a fast-paced work environment. u. Ensures that images are successfully transmitted to PACS and/or films are available for Radiologic interpretation (this should be done as soon as the study is completed). v. Has good verbal communication, active listening, critical thinking, and excellent interpersonal skills. w. Good problem-solving and decision-making skills. x. Physical stamina to lift heavy equipment and remain on your feet for long hours. y. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education. z. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 08:00am - 04:30pm Virtual: This is NOT a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound/Breast Imaging)/PD22023F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: 1. Citizenship. All applicants are required to be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) 2. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions 3.Licensure or Certification. Not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations". 4. Physical Requirements. The incumbent will be required to do the following: A. Position requires long periods of standing and walking, some bending, lifting, and carrying of moderately heavy items. B. Requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. C. Ability to reach above shoulder required. D. Both hands and use of fingers required. E. Must be able to lift, carry and move heavy equipment/patients routinely 5. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Title and Certification: Diagnostic Ultrasound Technicians operate diagnostic ultrasonic scanning equipment to produce cross sectional and two-dimensional pictures of internal organs and body structures used to diagnose diseases and other medical conditions. Registration is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). Candidate with Breast registry is preferred or will be required to obtain the registry within one year. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the criteria discussed in the applicable headings, or that defined in the appendices, must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Education/Training. To be creditable education must have been gained in an accredited Community College, College, or University. (1) Training. Completion of appropriate training such as in-service training programs, on the job training, training acquired while in the Armed Forces, government sponsored developmental training programs, and/or training under physicians certified in the functional area will be allowed on a month-for-month basis through the GS-5 level. (2) Foreign Education: To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. Specialized developmental experience obtained under supervision of appropriately certified individuals may be credited at higher levels and is addressed in individual appendices. Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound/Breast Imaging) - GS-9. In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level, positions at this grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments. (a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. This would be specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment. 1. Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures, to evaluate and initiate performance improvement projects, and to write policies, procedures, and protocols that pertain to diagnostic ultrasonography. *2. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. *4. Ability to manage and supervise employees. *5. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. GS-08 Level Core competencies at the full performance level: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 1. Ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, the abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum. 2. Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc. 3. Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled. 4. Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. (c) Certification. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. (d) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. 1. Special Assignments. Non-supervisory diagnostic ultrasound technicians may have assignments that because of their nature substantially exceed the full performance level. The Professional Standards Board will review proposed non-supervisory special assignments for the GS-9 level and make a determination regarding their appropriateness. These assignments are expected to be relatively few in number and must represent substantial additional responsibility over the full performance level. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Washington VA Medical Center 50 Irving Street, Northwest Washington, DC 20422 US
• Name: Trudy Wachala
• Phone: 4106057000 X51841
• Email: [email protected]